Michael McDaniel
Artist Biography
Michael McDaniel is a self-taught artist from Tuttle. During the day he is scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the evening an artist with mediums ranging from drawing to woodwork. He began carving and turning wood after an Oklahoma storm hit the trees around his house. Since then he has shaped numerous wooden creations from local wood. Many for clients that were looking for a unique treasure made from a multi-generational tree that was damaged. Each of his pieces is determined by the type, shape, and size of the wood.
Artwork Information
The material for this work is locally sourced hard woods. The process starts with a chainsaw and saw mill followed by turning it on a wood lathe. The entire process of drying, shaping and finishing takes up to 18 months. The shapes of the vases and hollow forms often depends on the size and shape of the wood and more so, the hidden treasure found inside. Each piece is unique on that basis alone. They are often created with a curved figure in mind. Adjustments are made through the process to reveal this hidden treasure, such as the spalting (discoloration), the figured grain and branching points from many yeas ago when the wood was much younger. Many of the larger pieces are from wood that is over a hundred years old. This wood is collected from local tree services or downed from storms. Both solid wood forms are created as well as segmented creations that are formed with many individually placed sections of wood.
@michael_mcdaniel_j
Michael’s work was included in our Spring 2023 Group Exhibition, on view February 2 - April 23, 2023. His work was also included in the Winter 2022 Group Exhibition, November 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023; The Woodlands, December 3, 2020 - January 31, 2021; and the Fall 2020 Group Exhibition, August 17 - November 30, 2020. We are pleased to have a continuing selection of Michael’s work in our online marketplace.
